Post by Coach Campbell on Jun 28, 2011 10:05:09 GMT

History

Among coaches, single-wing football denotes a formation using a long snap from center as well as a deceptive scheme that evolved from Glenn "Pop" Warner's offensive style. Traditionally, the single-wing was an offensive formation that featured a core of four backs including a tailback, a fullback, a quarterback (blocking back), and a wingback. Linemen were set "unbalanced", or simply put, there were two linemen on one side and four on the other side of the center. This was done by moving the off-side guard or tackle to the strong side. The single-wing was one of the first formations attempting to trick the defense instead of over-powering it.

Single-wing formation similar to Pop Warner's playbook. Pop Warner referred to his new offensive scheme as the Carlisle formation because he formulated most of the offense while coaching the Carlisle Indians. The term single-wing came into widespread use after spectators noticed that the formation gave the appearance of a wing-shape. In 1907, Warner coached at Carlisle, a school for Native Americans, where his legacy consisted of at least three significant events. The first was the discovery of Jim Thorpe's raw athletic ability. The second was the use of an extensive passing game that relied on the spiraled ball. Finally, faking backs who started one way, but abruptly headed the opposite way, kept defenses guessing. Because Jim Thorpe had so much raw talent, Coach Warner more than likely designed much of his single-wing offense around this gifted athlete. Thorpe, the proverbial triple threat, was a good runner, passer, and punter.

Glenn Scobey "Pop" Warner at the University of Pittsburgh in 1917. For much of the history of the single-wing formation, players were expected to play on both sides of the ball. Consequently, offensive players often turned around to play a corresponding location on defense. The offensive backs played defensive backs, just as the offensive linemen played defensive linemen. Unlike teams of today, single-wing teams had few specialists who only played on certain downs.

College football playbooks prior to the 1950s were dominated with permutations of the traditional single-wing envisioned by Warner.

Two-time All-American Jack Crain's handwritten playbook clearly denotes how the University of Texas ran their version of the single-wing circa 1939-1940. University of Texas Coach Dana X. Bible ran a balanced line, which means that there were the same numbers of linemen on each side of the center. Also, the ends were slightly split.

University of Texas All-American Jack Crain's single-wing playbook (circa 1939-40) Slightly splitting offensive ends, called flexing, was in widespread use by Notre Dame's Box variation of the single-wing. Knute Rockne's Notre Dame Box offense employed a balanced line, which had 3 linemen on each side of the center. Another Rockne innovation was a shifting backfield that attempted to confuse the defense by moving backs to alternate positions right before the snap.

Another variation of the single-wing saw the quarterback move out as a wingback on the weak side. Besides adding different blocking angles for the quarterback, the double-wing formation facilitated the passing game. Stanford had a variation on the double-wing where the quarterback stayed right behind the strong side guard, while the tailback became the wingback to the weak side. The fullback, being the only deep back left, took all the snaps and directed the plays.

Double-wing formation: A variation of the single-wing. The advent of the T formation in the 1940s led to a decline in the use of Single-wing formations. For example, the single-wing coach Dana X. Bible, upon his retirement in 1946, saw his replacement, Blair Cherry, quickly install the T formation like many other college coaches of the day. However, the single-wing style of football is still practiced by a small group of teams across the country, almost exclusively at the high school and youth level. The Pittsburgh Steelers were the last NFL team to use the single-wing as their standard formation, finally switching to the T formation in 1952. On September 21, 2008, the Miami Dolphins utilized a version of the single-wing offense ("wildcat") against the New England Patriots on six plays, which produced four touchdowns in a 38-13 upset victory, and again two weeks later defeating the San Diego Chargers.

Single-wing style of play

The direct snap or toss from the center usually went to the tailback or fullback; however, the quarterback could also take the ball. The tailback was very important to the success of the offense because he had to run, pass, block, and even punt. Unlike today, the quarterback usually blocked at the point of attack. As with his modern day counterpart, a single-wing quarterback might also act as a field general by calling plays. The fullback was chosen for his larger size so that he could "buck" the line. This meant that the fullback would block or carry the ball between the defensive tackles. The wingback could double-team block with an offensive lineman at scrimmage or even run a pass route.

The single-wing formation was designed to place double-team blocks at the point of attack. Gaining this extra blocker was achieved in several ways. First, the unbalanced line placed an extra guard or tackle on one side of the center. Second, a wingback stationed outside end could quickly move to a crucial blocking position. Third, the fullback and especially the quarterback could lead the ball carrier producing interference. Finally, linemen, usually guards, would pull at the snap and block at the specified hole. Line splits were always close except for ends who might move out from the tackle.

The single-wing formation depended on a center who was skilled both at blocking and at tossing the ball from between his legs to the receiving back. The center had to direct the ball to any of several moving backs, with extreme accuracy, as the play started. Single-wing plays would not work efficiently if the back had to wait on the snap because quick defensive penetration would over-run the play. The center was taught to direct the ball to give the tailback or fullback receiver a running start in the direction that the play was designed to go.

The single-wing formation was a deceptive formation with spectators, referees, and defensive players often losing sight of the ball. A backfield player, called a "spinner", might turn 360 degrees while faking the ball to the other backs, or even keeping the ball or passing it. Defensive players were often fooled as to which back was carrying the ball.

The one play that was unique to the single-wing formation was the buck-lateral series. The terminology for this series of plays associates the word "buck" with the intent of the fullback to plunge into the line. In addition, the short toss, or lateral of the ball, can be made to the quarterback or wingback who may take the ball and do other maneuvers including passing the ball. Consequently, when the fullback takes the ball, he appears to be headed to buck the line.

Typically, fullbacks were bigger players who ran plays intended to smash the defensive front. The fullback's initial move pulls the defensive players toward the expected point of attack. Next, the fullback tosses the ball to another back causing the defense to change pursuit angles, thus losing a step in their catching the ball carrier.

The strong side of the formation, where the extra lineman and wingback lined-up, put pressure on the defensive end. Defenses might move extra players to that side or shift the whole defense to compensate. The cut-back play could succeed regardless of how the defense reacted. The cut-back play started like a strong side sweep with offensive guards and quarterback running interference for the tailback. The fullback would fake a smash over the guard hole to occupy the defensive tackles. The play was designed to make the defensive end over-react and try to stay outside to contain the runner. If the defensive end gave ground to the sideline, the tailback would cut-back inside to let his interference push the defensive end out of the play. If the defensive end came too far inside, then the ball carrier would run around him to the outside. After the cut-back play was used in a game, then the offense might run the wingback reverse since both plays started out the same way. At the outset, the defense tries to pursue the sweeping tailback. However the tailback delivers the ball to the wingback running the opposite way to the weak side. Both the cut-back and the reverse would be set up with quick fullback bucks up the middle, which would cause the defensive line to over-protect their gaps, as opposed to pursuing quickly to the sideline.

Single-wing punt formation similar to Pop Warner's playbook. Single-wing teams used both a standard punting formation and a quick punt, often kicking on second or third downs. The quick punt, or quick kick, saw the tailback-punter quickly backing up 5 yards as the ball was in the air from the center to distance him from rushers. The strategy was to keep defensive halfbacks, expecting a possession play, from dropping back to return the ball. The standard punt formation was often used for either punting as well as running or passing the ball. Most teams had a litany of plays that they might run from a punt formation.Prior to 1930 the shape of the football was a prominent oval shape called a prolate spheroid. Due to the shape of the ball, single-wing backs handled the ball more like a basketball, with short tosses and underhand lobs. Gradually, balls were allowed to be elongated enough to produce streamlined passes with a spiral. The spiraled ball could be thrown farther with more accuracy, thus increasing the potential for offenses to use the forward pass more frequently.

The single-wing melon-shaped ball measures from 28 to 22 inches in circumference, while the modern ball measures approximately 21 inches. The single-wing quarterback played a different role than modern-day quarterbacks. While the quarterback may have called the snap count due to his position close to the center of the formation, he may not have called the actual play in the huddle. For much of the history of football, coaches were not allowed to call plays from the sideline. This responsibility may have gone to the team captain. The quarterback was expected to be an excellent blocker at the point of attack. Some playbooks referred to this player as the blocking back. The quarterback also had to handle the ball by faking, handing off, or optioning to other backs.

Modern use

Although the single-wing has lost much of its popularity since World War II, its characteristic features are still prevalent in all levels of modern football. They include pulling guards, double teams, play action passes, laterals, wedge blocking, trap blocking, the sweep, the reverse and the quick kick. Many current offenses, such as that of the Florida Gators' coach Urban Meyer, use single-wing tendencies for running plays, while using wide receivers instead of wingbacks.Once a strong running formation, the single wing has been replaced by formations that facilitate passing, while minimizing the running aspect of the game. Today the single-wing has evolved in what coaches call the spread offense or shotgun, with the emphasis on passing. The most noticeable feature that remains of the powerful Carlisle formation is the long toss from center to the main ball-handler. The main talent and field general has become the quarterback instead of the tailback. The other single-wing backs have moved close to the line of scrimmage and are split farther from the main line. Wide receivers are called split-ends, flex ends, slots, and flankers. Also, linemen spacing has increased in distance. Moving offensive players farther apart serves the purpose of also spreading the defense. The goal is to make defenses cover the whole field on every play.

The current incarnation of the Wildcat offense, which has been adopted by many college, NFL, and high school teams uses many elements of the single-wing formation.

Post by Oneback on Mar 21, 2013 9:48:58 GMT

This is about Bob Neyland's Tennessee balanced line SW (Sports Illustrated - 1958). If I were ever to run the SW again, it would DEFINITELY be from a BALANCED line:

October 15, 1956Herman Hickman Says:Herman Hickman

The Tennessee system, which is enjoying such success this season, is not just a set of plays from a single-wing balanced-line formation; rather, it is a philosophy of football. Many coaches, such as Bobby Dodd at Georgia Tech, Murray Warmath at Minnesota, DeWitt Weaver at Texas Tech and Billy Meeks at Houston, inculcated in the stern virtues of the single wing, have abandoned the original alignment but still teach its tenets. Pure practitioners of the teachings of the patriarch, General Bob Neyland, are Bowden Wyatt at Tennessee, "Red" Sanders at UCLA and Tommy Prothro at Oregon State. Wyatt and Sanders have met with tremendous success using this "old-fashioned," orthodox formation, and Prothro is a definite rising star in the Pacific Northwest.

Possibly the off-tackle power play, as diagrammed, best expresses the philosophy of the Tennessee system: two-on-one blocking on both the defensive tackle and end with two guards leading the tailback through the hole. This is the base play of the Tennessee attack and, in order for the offense to be successful, must be established. Alone, mum of deception as the tailback gets a yard lead from the center, takes three steps to the strong side and drives through the hole behind the guards. But, and this is important, he may do many things after those three steps. Neyland's theory is that the ultimate in deception is to mask the intent until the last possible fraction of a second, thus keeping the defense locked in position and in doubt as to the course of the play. As his outside foot hits the ground on his third step, the tailback may drive back inside the defensive tackle, run the power play, fake the power play and go outside the end, throw the running pass which is another trademark of this system or hand off to the wingback on a "Sally Rand" play—a naked reverse to the weak side.

Maybe it would be a good idea to explain the terminology, which differs from that of many teams. The backs are always referred to by name or number with the wingback, or Number One, usually stationed a yard outside and a yard back of the right (or strong) end. Wherever the wingback is located is called the strong side, and when they go into formation left the line simply revolves all the way around, and the wingback will be on the left flank outside of the same end as in formation right. The blocking-back, or Number Two, is a yard behind the line, usually in the seam between the strong side guard and tackle. The fullback, Number Three, is about four yards deep behind his strong guard. The tailback, Number Four, is four and a half or five yards in depth, slightly to the weakside of center. Backs do not interchange and are always in the same relative position in either right or left formation. Linemen are never referred to as right guard or left guard but always as strong side or weakside guards.

But it is the tenets mentioned earlier that really set the Tennessee system apart from all others. Here are a few. One good blocker is worth three ball-carrying stars. The team that makes the fewest mistakes wins. Play for and make the breaks; when one comes your way score. If a break goes against you, don't let down; turn on more steam. Press the kicking game; it is here that games are won or lost. On defense, first protect your position, pursue relentlessly and gang tackle. These are not just idle words or slogans. They are preached and practiced incessantly.

Post by Coach Campbell on Oct 15, 2014 12:55:21 GMT

The single wing formation is a versatile offensive alignment where four backs are situated in various locations behind the center.

Originated by Glenn Pop Warner, it would later become the inspiration for the modern-day Shotgun or Spread formation.

This alignment can still be found in both American and Canadian football leagues, and a number of single wing football playbooks are available online.

Four backs make up the heart of the single wing offense. These include the wingback, fullback, tailback and quarterback (also known as the blocking back). In most cases, the snap is generally tossed into the backfield by the center instead of being handed off. If the ball is routinely handed off, then the formation may be known as a wing T or winged T. Offensive lineman are also lined up in an unusual fashion, with two on one side of the center and four on the other side.

The snap will often go straight to the tailback or fullback, as the quarterback may be required to block and act as a field general (this is why hes often referred to as the blocking back in single-wing football playbooks). The role of the tailback is critical in the single-wing, as he may be called upon to block, run, pass and even punt. Fullbacks in the single wing tend to be larger, as they will often be asked to block and run inside for tough yardage. Wingbacks may run a passing route, or they may move to the line and assist the tight end with a double team block.

History of Single Wing Football

Pop Warner Football - Single Wing OffensePin it!Share on Facebook In 1907, Glenn Pop Warner was the coach of the Carlisle Indians (an all-Native American squad). He also had the good fortune to have Jim Thorpe playing on his team.

A talented all-around athlete, Thorpe could run, pass and punt. Warner wisely developed an offensive scheme which could take advantage of this, and the single wing formation was born.

Originally dubbed the Carlisle Formation, the name was later changed when fans noticed that the offensive formation resembled the shape of a wing.

For years afterwards, the single wing and variations were used extensively by college football programs. It wasnt until the rise of the T Formation in the 1940s that the single wing began to decline. The single wing was even used in the pros, and the Pittsburgh Steelers became the last team to abandon its use in 1952.

The formation had a tremendous impact on the modern NFL game, and features of the single wing are still commonly used today. These include the following elements: the quick kick, reverse, sweep, trap blocking, wedge blocking, play action, laterals, pulling guards and double teams.

Today, the single wing still lives on. College teams such as the Florida Gators use variations of the formation, although wide receivers are substituted for wingbacks. It has been especially popular in youth leagues, middle and high school programs, as opposing defenses are often clueless on how to stop it.

Strengths of the Single-Wing Offense

Single-Wing Formation - Single-Wing FootballPin it!Share on Facebook If coaches all around the country are having great success with the single wing, then there must be an advantage to the system. Below, Ive listed some of the biggest positives to running the single-wing football playbook.•Even though the snap is often pitched into the backfield, a team running the single wing has more room to recover in case of a fumble.•Defenses are not accustomed to seeing the single wing offense, and its mere appearance can wreak havoc on an opposing teams morale.•Since the ball may be snapped to one of three backs, defenses are often kept guessing until its too late.•The single wing is an excellent ball control offense, which translates to less time on the field for your defense.•Its an excellent formation for teams lacking a talented quarterback or feature halfback.•With an emphasis on team football, all players get a chance to contribute.•When opponents are trying to prepare for your team, their scout team will have a difficult time of accurately simulating the single wing.•Both coaches and players generally consider the single wing to be a lot of fun.•Allows a great deal of flexibility when it comes to play calling.•A surprisingly large support system exists on the Internet, allowing you to discuss strategy with other coaches who run the single wing.

Misconceptions About the Single-Wing Formation

Just as there are many advantages to single wing football playbooks, there are also an equal number of misconceptions about the formation. All of the following are false assumptions which anyone planning to run the single-wing may have to deal with.•The formation has difficult concepts which take too much time to teach.•Players wont like the formation.•The single wing wont work at the high school level.•Its only good for team with small tailbacks.•The single-wing is an illegal formation.•A team running this formation wont be able to pass.•The blocking schemes are too confusing for the players.•If the pros dont use it, then it cant be very good.•Requires a tailback who can catch, run and throw.•Its too predictable.

Single Wing Plays

Before you run out and spend hundreds of dollars on single wing resources, its probably a good idea to make sure that you actually like the looks of the system. To accomplish this, weve listed several of the common single-wing plays below. Take a look at them, and see what you think.

If you find yourself agreeing with some of the items from the previously-listed Misconceptions section, then you might want to look elsewhere for a new offensive system. Otherwise, you can stock up on single-wing merchandise with confidence.

A special thanks goes out to Adam over at www.directsnapfootball.com for allowing us to use his great single-wing playbook images. Be sure and check out his site, as itï¿½s loaded with lots of great football information.

Single Wing Formation

First of all, hereï¿½s the basic single wing formation. Two lineman to the left of the center, and four linemen to the right of the center. The tailback and fullback are lined up several yards behind the center, while the wingback and blocking back are offset to the right of the center. In most cases, the ball will be direct snapped to the tailback.

Single Wing Off Tackle

Pin it!Share on Facebook

In this play, the tailback takes the snap and runs off-tackle. The right guard pulls to take on the defensive end, while the other men in the backfield converge to create a running lane for the tailback. This play exemplifies simple, smash-mouth football at its finest.

Single Wing Blocking Back Keeper

the fullback takes the snap and charge towards the offensive line. He then hands off to the blocking back, who heads around the end. The outside tackle pulls to block for the ball carrier, and heï¿½s also supported by the accompanying tailback.

The Fullback Wedge

Designed to destroy and demoralize opposing defenses, the fullback wedge play utilizes nine blockers to jam the middle of the field and create running space for the fullback. This one is almost guaranteed to pick up positive yardage.

Wingback Reverse

The Wingback Reverse is a misdirection play which targets the weakside of the defense.

The tailback receives the snap and heads around the right end. The wingback, meanwhile, it running the opposite direction in the backfield. When the two pass one another, a handoff is made to the wingback, and he continues on around the left end. Notice how the blocking back moves to take on the opposing defensive end.

Single Wing Tailback Sweep

On the tailback sweep play, the tailback simply takes the snap and runs around the right end. The right guard pulls, and the ball carrier also has the blocking back, wingback and tailback clearing a path.

Single Wing Tailback Sweep Pass

This is an example of how the single wing can also be used for passing plays. The tailback takes the snap and heads around the right end. The fullback provides blocking, as does the pulling right guard.

Meanwhile, the blocking back and wingback run pass routes. When he nears the line of scrimmage, the tailback has the option of throwing to either man, or he may continue to run if both are covered.

Post by Oneback on Oct 20, 2014 11:35:05 GMT

MANY SW coaches do not commit to throwing the ball well. An exception was Dr Ken Keuffel. His book on the SW is a real "GEM".

Winning Single Wing Football: A Simplified Guide for the Football Coach by Ken Keuffel (Apr 2004)

Single wing football master coach Ken Keuffel knows how to help football teams achieve greatness. In his new book, Winning Single Wing Football: A Simplified Guide for the Football Coach, he describes how you can lead your team to victory by applying the philosophies and techniques he has learned in a storied coaching career.

In this book, you won't read about any play or idea Coach Keuffel hasn't tested on the football field. All his tactics are tried and true and presented in such a way that every coach and player can easily understand them.

This concise guide offers:- A clear description of single wing offensive play--its history and its advantages- Step-by-step approaches to using newer single wing concepts- Perspectives on the football coach as master teacher